BIPED aims to raise awareness of women working in the tech domain and to help encourage women into tech careers. Below is the first of a series of interviews of the women from the BIPED consortium. Based on these interviews Career Sheets pdfs were prepared and included on the Scientix website. These Career Sheets are created for primary and secondary school teachers (for children 4-21 years old, depending on the country). Teachers can take these sheets and present them to the pupils in the class. The scope is to promote STEM jobs to pupils and get them to understand the different types of jobs/career paths they can choose.
Please share a short biography
My name is Anna Yankulova, and I am a European Project Manager at KPMG Future Analytics in Ireland. In my role, I oversee a portfolio of large-scale EC-funded and national projects that focus on various areas, including smart cities, digital twins, transport and critical infrastructure, renewable energy, climate change, sustainability, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in International Accounting from the University of Turin, and a Graduate Diploma in Business Research from Smurfit Business School in Ireland. My career goal is to drive innovative projects that align with the European Agenda while fostering collaboration among diverse partners.
Please provide a short overview of your job and its relation to STEM. What is your current job? What is the field about?
Over the past seven years, I have immersed myself in the dynamic field of European Research and Innovation as both a researcher and project manager. My dedication lies in overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects designed to confront and mitigate pressing societal challenges, particularly the urgent need to lessen the impact of climate change. The prospect of creating meaningful change in this area fuels my passion and commitment to my work. My projects span several pivotal sectors, such as transport infrastructure, smart cities, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development, all of which are integral to fostering a resilient and sustainable future.
As an experienced PRINCE2-certified project manager with international experience in navigating the complexities of European project management, I have led various work packages and coordinated projects, proposal submissions and financial compliance for a vast portfolio of European projects.
Who or what inspired you to follow this career path / start this job?
My journey began as part of a Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN), where I immersed myself as a researcher in the dynamic field of digital health. Upon the completion of my contract, I discovered a deep-seated passion for the research environment and a desire to be involved in multiple projects. This led me to transition into a management role in research, where I could apply my expertise and contribute to the exploration of new topics.
In 2019, I transitioned to the position of European Project Manager at a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) known for its strong track record in participating in and coordinating European projects. Drawing on my technical and professional background, I began leading work packages focused on communication, dissemination and exploitation of results, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and conceptual design or technical solutions. To date, I have been involved in 11 European projects, and I am excited to be at the forefront of innovation and pan-European collaboration.
What does your typical working day look like?
My typical day encompasses a vibrant blend of meetings with international partners and stakeholders, report writing, and market research. This dynamic routine is centered around connecting people, project outcomes, and organisations to inspire innovation and secure funding for transformative work that uplifts local communities. I find joy in the energetic nature of my days and cherish the opportunity to exchange ideas with some of the most passionate researchers and practitioners across Europe.
Please give an overview of your study path and how you got into this career. If you could start all over again, how you would change the career path? Has there been an educational experience (formal/informal/traineeship/...) that helped you? Did your colleagues follow similar study and career paths?
I began my education by earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Turin. I was primarily interested in the practical aspects of business management and initially planned to transition into commercial law. However, I discovered I had a strong aptitude for numbers, which led me to pursue a Master's degree in International Accounting. I was eager to return to university and continue my research.
For my Master's dissertation, I focused on the 2008 financial crisis and was determined to study its repercussions, particularly how accounting standards and regulations changed in its aftermath. During this time, I completed a semester at KU Leuven University, where one of my courses, "Solvency of Financial Institutions," sparked my interest even further.
I initially intended to work in auditing for a couple of years before returning to my research. However, my career took an interesting turn when I was invited to join a team in Switzerland, exposing me to international organisations and NGOs. This experience shifted my focus toward research in drug development and pharmaceuticals, ultimately leading me to Ireland.
What are the professional & personal key skills needed to do your job?
The skills I need vary based on the specific role I take on in different projects. Key competencies include business analysis, which helps me assess organisational needs and recommend solutions; market research, which allows me to understand target audiences and industry trends; content strategy, enabling me to create engaging and effective messaging; and public relations, which is essential for managing a positive image and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders relevant to each project.
In addition to these technical skills, the importance of soft skills should not be overlooked. These interpersonal attributes play a critical role in my success. A willingness to collaborate fosters teamwork and ensures that diverse perspectives are valued in the decision-making process. European projects usually bring together a consortium of 20-30 professionals, so emotional intelligence is crucial for understanding and managing both my own emotions and those of others, helping to navigate complex social dynamics. Strong social skills facilitate effective communication and relationship-building, while motivation drives me to achieve goals and encourages other partners and stakeholders to stay engaged. Lastly, adaptability is vital in today's fast-paced environment, allowing me to respond to changes and challenges with resilience and creativity.
What types of jobs & industry sectors can you work in, with your skills?
As a research project manager in the EU research and innovation sector, I take an active role in seeking out new ideas, connecting with people, and collaborating with organisations. This proactive approach allows me to cut across different sectors, gaining exposure to a variety of projects and staying informed about the latest advancements. I apply my transferable skills in a multi-disciplinary context.
What are the main challenges in your job?
The greatest challenge in my line of work is ensuring the progress of a task with the collaboration of multiple partners. It requires effective people management and conflict resolution, which can be demanding. In this competitive environment, successfully securing funding hinges on the wisdom to choose the right projects and the right partners to work with, paving the way to meaningful achievements.
What is your advice to students?
Take some time to explore all the exciting innovative projects out there and don’t hesitate to reach out to others! The Research and Innovation Space is a fantastic place to share ideas and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
How can teachers and parents support their students / children?
Inspire students and children to think innovatively. The world is full of innovation-driven initiatives that are making a real difference. I'm always struck by the impact of the projects that get funded by the European Commission under different calls – like a recent one that's studying underwater noise to protect marine life. The potential for positive change is enormous!
Comments